Haunt (comics)

Overview

In a 2008 interview with Newsarama , Kirkman explained that the initial storyline in  Haunt  deals with Kurt trying to solve his own murder.  ^[5]  In February 2009 at New York’s Comic Con , Kirkman provided an overview of the series:

Background and creation

During a session at the San Diego 2006 Comic-Con , McFarlane called on Kirkman, who was seated in the audience. Kirkman was a fan, and wanted to know why McFarlane did not work on comics anymore.  ^[7]  Not Recognizing Kirkman, McFarlane Responded, “I always sort of felt If You Could create your own Mickey Mouse , it’s a pretty good living. You do not need to do a Donald Duck and has Goofy and a Minnie Mouse . Arguably , [I’ve done that] with Spawn . ”  ^[8]  He added, “I have some ideas, but I can only spread myself so thin.”  ^[8]  Fellow panelist Brian Haberlinfinally told McFarlane that the audience member was Kirkman.  ^[8]  After exchanging jokes, McFarlane asked Kirkman if he would be interested in collaborating on a project, to which Kirkman agreed.  ^{[5]  [8]}

Kurt was named after Kurt Vonnegut , while Daniel was named after Vonnegut’s character, Kilgore Trout .

In 2007, Kirkman and McFarlane announced that they were working together on a new comic property.  Haunt  with a series to debut in early 2008.  ^{[9]  [10]}

In July 2008 Kirkman explained that the book had been delayed.  ^[5]  Ottley and Capullo were joining the art team. It was also revealed that McFarlane would draw covers for the series.  ^[4]

In February 2009, Image provided a series of teaser images to Comic Book Resources featuring the first artwork for  Haunt  .  ^{[11]  [12]  [13]}

The first teaser was released in July 2009, but no firm was established until July, when Image announced the first issue would be released October 7, 2009.  ^[1]  McFarlane has shouldered the blame for the delays,  ^[14]  saying, ” I did not want to be in a position where I was able to make a solicitation for the sake of putting on a solicitation, that’s too easy.  ^[15]  He added, “I know it’s been a little frustrating to Robert, but it’s already been two years – what’s two years and one month? We’re gotta get it right.”  ^[15]  In July, a limited edition, 16-page preview book debuted at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con.  ^[4]

Characters

• Daniel Kilgore – Associate priest, he later quits his Church to join The Agency.
• Kurt Kilgore – a deceased Agency agent and Daniel’s estranged brother, the two become closer after his murder and the Agency trains Daniel.
  • Haunt – this being is created when Kurt ‘s spirit merges with Daniel’ s body. They are merged through Kurt’s spiritual tether to Daniel and generate ectoplasm.
• Director Beth Tosh – Kurt’s Lover, now acting Director of the Agency.
• Mirage – an agent working for the Agency and another trainer of Kurt’s, she watches over Daniel’s progress.
• Assistant Director Theresa Rhodes – a sleeper agent in the Agency, she was instrumental in Kurt’s murder.
• Mr. Hurg – a crime boss obsessed with fitness and health, he orchestrated Kurt ‘s death and is highly skilled in combat.
• Cobra – an assassin hired by Mr. Hurg, his face is mutilated by Haunt, and resconstructive surgery leaves him very similar to his namesake.
• Amanda Kilgore – Kurt’s Widow and Daniel’s train lover / wife. Her relationship with Daniel was cut short to her infidelity with Kurt.

Reception

Sales

Less than a week before the release of  Haunt  # 1, columnist Rich Johnston reported that comic book retailers pre-ordered nearly 60,000 copies of the first issue, which is more than a typical issue of  The Amazing Spider-Man  .  ^[16]

Reviews

Haunt  # 1 received mixed reviews from critics. Jason Green of Playback: “Weird, wildly violent stuff, but it’s also a visceral thrill, evocative artwork.”  ^[17]  Green praised each of the book’s creators, saying that they “mesh perfectly.”  ^[17]  On the other hand, Jesse Schedeen of IGN said Kirkman “Do not offer any of his usual wits.” Daniel and Kurt have no real depth to them. Too seriously to become a silly melodrama. ”  ^[18]

Chad Nevett of Comic Book Resources called the artwork “disappointing, if only because Ryan Ottley is a better artist than  Haunt  # 1’s work displays.”  ^[19]  Nevett also criticized the book for reading “almost like a parody of itself with dark characters, […] excessive violence, […] and a character design influenced by McFarlane’s work on Spider-Man .”  ^[19]  Haunt’s design was also considered similar to symbiotes in Spider-Man.

Collected editions

Trade paperbacks

Hardcover

References